SMART Goals
For this assignment, you will work on setting goals for yourself using the SMART method. You will find an explanation of this method in the module that will guide you in your goal-setting process. You will list a minimum of five professional goals that you would like to accomplish during the clinical experience in this term. For each goal, you must provide an explanation of how the goal is representative of each of the SMART characteristics: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely. Be sure to answer the following questions for each goal summary: Can you measure it? Is it attainable? Is it realistic? What is the time frame you have set for completing that goal?
Format: Each goal summary should be at least 100 words – totaling 500 words for this assignment (added to the speaker notes). The presentation is original work and logically organized, formatted, and cited in the current APA style, including citation of references. The presentation should consist of 10-15 slides (excluding the introduction and reference page).
How to Format a PowerPoint Presentation in APA StyleLinks to an external site. Goodwin University. (2019, October). APA style – 7th edition. https://goodwin.libguides.com/c.php?g=29109&p=7298502
Grading Rubric
Your assignment will be graded according to the grading rubric.
SMART Goals Rubric
Criteria
Ratings
Points
Specific To set a specific goal you must answer the 6 Ws: Who? Who is involved? What? What would I like to accomplish? Where? Where is this happening? When? When do I start/finish? Which? Identify requirements and constraints Why? Why am I doing this? Specific reasons, purpose or benefits!
Exemplary – 6-8 points The goal is personal and identifies areas of weakness in clinical practice. The goal is detailed and clearly focused on the specific skills, behaviors, and/or knowledge outlined in the course objectives.
Distinguished – 4-5 points The goal is personal and identifies areas of weakness in clinical practice. There is a lack of focus and detail on the specific skills, behaviors, and/or knowledge outlined in the course objectives.
Developing – 1-3 points The goal is personal and identifies areas of weakness in clinical practice. Details on the specific skills, behaviors and/or knowledge outlined in the course objectives are not provided.
Novice – 0 points The goal is general and does not address areas of weakness in clinical practice. The goal displays no specificity, is general and vague.
8 points
Measurable Goals may have several short-term and on-going measurements so that you can see how you are doing in your aim to achieve your goal. A non-measurable goal: I want to learn how to sing. A measurable goal: I want to learn 5 arias by Friday, November 12th
Exemplary – 6-8 points Measures have been identified that will demonstrate learning, results, and/or progress as related to the described goal.
Distinguished – 4-5 points A method of measuring has been identified but it does not directly link to or connect with the described go.
Developing – 1-3 points The method listed for measurement is rather general and does not directly link to or connect with the described goal.
Novice – 0 points Not at all measurable – no method of measurement indicated.
8 points
Achievable/Ambitious A goal should stretch you slightly so you feel you can do it, and it will need a real commitment from you. Think about what is achievable and what you want to do.
Exemplary – 6-8 points The goal set forth is realistic, motivating, challenging, and can be achievable within the term. There is a clear process described to support achievability.
Distinguished – 4-5 points The goal set forth is realistic; however, the achievability may not require much challenge, or the achievability may be incredibly challenging to achieve within the term. The process is mentioned but lacks clarity.
Developing – 1-3 points The goal is realistic, however the time frame does not support success. There is no process that supports achievability.
Novice – 0 points The goal is not at all within reason and cannot be achieved.
8 points
Relevant Realistic goals should have you push you, but not break you!
Exemplary – 6-8 points The goal has a strong connection to the course objectives, the student’s history, current interests, and/or demonstrated abilities.
Distinguished – 4-5 points The goal has some connection to the course objectives, the student’s history, current interests and/or demonstrated abilities.
Developing – 1-3 points The goal has only a slight connection to the course objectives, the student’s history, current interests and/or demonstrated abilities.
Novice – 0 points The goal has no connection to the course objectives.
8 points
Timely What is your time frame? Putting an end to your goal, or target dates to work towards, gives you a sense of accomplishment as you move toward achieving your goal. With a time frame comes more commitment to achievement!
Exemplary – 8-9 points The goal has a definite date of what will be accomplished by this date and is linked to the measurables. Is within the time frame of this term.
Distinguished – 6-7 points The goal has an indefinite date of what will be accomplished by this date and is linked to the measurables. It is within the time frame of this term.
Developing – 1-5 points The goal has an indefinite date of what will be accomplished by this date but does not link to the measurables.
Novice – 0 points Has no dates and/or is over a period far beyond this term.
8 points
Use of Citations, Writing Mechanics and APA Formatting Guidelines
Exemplary – 4-5 points References page contains more than required current scholarly academic reference and text reference.. Follows APA guidelines of components: double space, 12 pt. font, abstract, level headings, hanging indent. Rules of grammar, usage and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct.
Distinguished – 3 points References page contains one current scholarly academic resource and text reference. Follows most APA guidelines of components: double space, 12 pt. font, abstract, level headings, hanging indent. Few grammatical errors, but sentences could be clearer and more precise.
Developing – 1-2 points References page contains one current or outdated scholarly academic resource. Many errors of APA guidelines: double space, 12 pt. font, abstract, level headings, hanging indent. Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors.
Novice – 0 points References page contains no current scholarly academic resources, only internet webpages or no reference page. Lack of APA guidelines for references provided. Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.
5 points
PowerPoint Slides
Exemplary – 4-5 points PowerPoint presentation contains 10-15 slides. All parts of the assignment are completed fully and described in the PowerPoint presentation in detail.
Distinguished – 3 points PowerPoint presentation contains 10-15 slides. All parts of the project are completed partially and described in the PowerPoint presentation.
Developing – 1-2 points PowerPoint presentation contains fewer than 10 slides, or some slides are incomplete or not relevant to the required content of the presentation.
Novice – 0 points PointPoint presentation contains fewer than 10 slides and /or is missing several parts of the required content.
### SMART Goals for Clinical Experience
#### Goal 1: Improve Patient Assessment Skills
**Specific:** During this term, I aim to enhance my patient assessment skills, focusing on identifying subtle clinical signs that indicate potential complications. This goal addresses my current weakness in consistently detecting early symptoms in patients with chronic illnesses.
**Measurable:** I will measure my progress by successfully identifying early signs in at least five different patients, documented in my clinical logs and confirmed by my preceptor.
**Attainable:** Given my current level of education and experience, and with dedicated practice and feedback, this goal is within my reach.
**Realistic:** This goal is realistic as it aligns with the course objectives and my role as a nursing student, requiring detailed patient assessments.
**Timely:** I plan to achieve this goal by the end of this term, ensuring I dedicate specific hours weekly to patient assessments.
**Summary:** This goal is measurable through documented patient assessments and attainable with focused effort and guidance, ensuring timely completion by the end of the term.
#### Goal 2: Enhance Communication with Healthcare Team
**Specific:** My goal is to improve my communication skills with the healthcare team, focusing on delivering clear and concise patient reports during handoffs and team meetings.
**Measurable:** Progress will be measured through feedback from my preceptor and peers, aiming for positive feedback in at least three instances of team communication.
**Attainable:** With practice and by seeking advice from experienced colleagues, I can develop these communication skills.
**Realistic:** This goal is realistic as it aligns with the responsibilities and expectations of my clinical role.
**Timely:** I aim to achieve this goal by mid-term, allowing time for continued improvement and refinement.
**Summary:** Achieving this goal involves measurable feedback and is attainable with consistent practice, ensuring it is realistic and timely within the term’s framework.
#### Goal 3: Master Medication Administration Protocols
**Specific:** I will master the protocols for administering medications, including ensuring accuracy in dosages and timings, and understanding potential drug interactions.
**Measurable:** Success will be measured by accurately administering medications in at least ten instances without errors, as recorded in my clinical logs.
**Attainable:** With dedicated study and practical application, this goal is achievable within my current scope of practice.
**Realistic:** This goal is realistic as it is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice and directly relates to patient safety.
**Timely:** The goal will be achieved by the end of this term, with weekly targets for practice and review.
**Summary:** This goal is clearly measurable and attainable through structured practice, ensuring it is realistic and achievable within the term’s timeline.
#### Goal 4: Develop Proficiency in Electronic Health Records (EHR)
**Specific:** I aim to develop proficiency in using the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system to document patient information accurately and efficiently.
**Measurable:** My proficiency will be measured by the ability to complete patient documentation within the allotted time frame, with no errors, in at least ten consecutive patient entries.
**Attainable:** With regular use and guidance from experienced staff, I can achieve this proficiency.
**Realistic:** This goal is realistic as it aligns with the technological competencies required in modern healthcare settings.
**Timely:** I plan to achieve this goal by the middle of the term, allowing for continuous practice and improvement.
**Summary:** This goal is measurable through error-free documentation and attainable with regular practice, ensuring it is realistic and timely within the clinical experience.
#### Goal 5: Enhance Patient Education Skills
**Specific:** I aim to enhance my skills in patient education, focusing on teaching patients about managing chronic conditions and the importance of medication adherence.
**Measurable:** Success will be measured by delivering educational sessions to at least five patients, with their understanding confirmed through follow-up questions and feedback.
**Attainable:** With preparation and use of educational materials, this goal is within my capabilities.
**Realistic:** This goal is realistic as it is an integral part of patient care and aligns with my clinical responsibilities.
**Timely:** I aim to achieve this goal by the end of the term, incorporating patient education into my daily practice.
**Summary:** This goal is measurable through patient feedback and attainable with preparation, ensuring it is realistic and timely within the term.
### References
American Psychological Association. (2020). *Publication manual of the American Psychological Association* (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Goodwin University. (2019). *APA style – 7th edition*. Retrieved from [https://goodwin.libguides.com/c.php?g=29109&p=7298502](https://goodwin.libguides.com/c.php?g=29109&p=7298502)
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